September 5, 2006

The Montgomery County School Board met on the above date in the administrative building at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a regular business meeting.

Board Members Present

Penny J. Franklin, Chair B. Wendell Jones

Jamie M. Bond Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins

Staff Members Present

Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent

Daniel A. Berenato Carol Reynolds

Christina T. Gilley Walter L. Shannon

Harvey C. Goodwin Patti Talbot

Carol Jennings Jeanette Warwick

Anita P. Johnston Laura Williams

Mark Pasier Brad King, Attorney

Call to Order

Ms. Franklin called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag at 7:00 p.m.

Adoption of Agenda

On motion by Mrs. Morikawa, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as presented.

Closed Session

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to enter into a closed meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A) of the Code of Virginia at 7:01 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the following specific matters:

Student Matters: Discussion or consideration of student disciplinary matters, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(2) of the Code of Virginia.

Personnel Matters: The discussion or consideration of prospective candidates for employment; assignment; appointment; promotion; performance; demotion; salaries; disciplining or resignation of specific public school officers, employees or appointees, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia.

Return to Open Session and Certification

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, and the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 7:35 p.m.

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Bond, and the Board unanimously adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the County School Board of Montgomery County has

convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3711(d) of the Code of Virginia

requires a certification by this School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia Law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

that the County School Board of Montgomery County

hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the meeting were heard, discussed, or considered.

Ayes: Jamie M. Bond Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins Penny J. Franklin, Chair

B. Wendell Jones

_______________________________ September 5, 2006

Clerk of the Montgomery Date

County School Board

Action

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to readmit student A to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

Mr. Dunkenberger moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted six to one to readmit student B to MCPS. Voting in favor were Mrs. Bond, Mr. Dunkenberger, Dr. Hopkins, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Lythgoe, and Mrs. Morikawa. Voting against was Ms. Franklin.

Public Address

Michael Butler, administrator of the Adventure Club, urged the Board to continue working with the Adventure Club for childcare services as it has done for the last 15 years.

Donna Thornton, founder of the Adventure Club, stressed to Board members the Adventure Club’s long-standing tradition of caring for children in the New River Valley. Ms. Thornton told Board members that the mutually beneficial working relationship between the group and the school division should be allowed to continue.

Tariq Durrani, a former professor and MCPS substitute teacher, asked the Board to adequately compensate substitute teachers and special education aides by providing compensation based on degrees and experience.

Item 09/06-127 Personnel Report: Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, and the Board voted unanimously to approve the personnel report with an addendum.

The report is attached and made a part of the minutes as pages A1-A6.

Mr. Jones asked if the school division still has teaching positions open at this time. Mark Pasier, Director of Human Resources, shared that there are five certified positions open at this time, but the human resources department is conducting interviews for three of these positions this week.

Item 09/06-128 Payment of Bills: On motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mrs. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to approve the bills as presented.

Item 09/06-127 and Item 09/06-128

Operating Fund:

Utilities, 08/17/06, Ck. Nos. 439180-439208, $100,223.38

Bills, 09/05/06, Ck. Nos. 439209-439425, $480,385.17

Payroll, 08/31/06, 12pp Ck. No. 43182, $2,626,662.60

Fixed Charges, 08/31/06, Ck. Nos. 43183-43222, $201,584.63

Payroll, 08/07/06, supp. Ck. Nos. 43267-43334, $24,230.92

Fixed Charges, 08/07/06, Ck. Nos. 43335-43339, $1,868.99

Payroll, 08/08/06, supp. Ck. No. 43340, $3,598.00

Fixed Charges, 08/08/06, Ck. Nos. 43341-43343, $275.25

Payroll, 08/31/06, Ck. Nos. 43344-43352, $1,674,072.25

Fixed Charges, 08/31/06, Ck. Nos. 43353-43394, $316,990.60

Cafeteria Fund:

Bills, 8/31/06, Ck. Nos. 2043-2049, $10,367.69

Payroll, 08/31/06, 12pp Direct Deposit, $86,235.37

Fixed Charges, 08/31/06, Ck. Nos. 4703-4710, $6,677.82

Payroll, 08/31/06, Direct Deposit, $22,074.83

Fixed Charges, 08/31/06, 4724-4733, $3,493.00

Item 09/06-129 Consent Items: The following items were approved by general consent:

1. Minutes: Minutes from the August 1, 2006 regular session, the August 15, 2006 work session, and the August 24, 2006 special session.

Item 09/06-128 (Continued) and Item 09/06-129

2. Field Trips:

a. The Blacksburg High School (BHS) cross-country team to travel to Hoover, Alabama, on September 22-24, 2006. Students will travel via charter bus. Accommodations are to be decided. The cost per student is $196.

b. The Christiansburg High School (CHS) cross-country team to travel to Orlando, Florida, on October 5-8, 2006. Students will travel via other vehicle. Accommodations are to be provided by the All-Star Sports Hotel on the Wide World of Sports. The cost per student is $160.

c. The Auburn High School (AHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) club to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 25-29, 2006. Students will travel via county car. Accommodations are to be provided by hotels being arranged through FFA. The cost per student is $250.

d. The BHS forensics team to travel to Wake Forest University in North Carolina on September 15-17, 2006. Students will travel via school bus. Accommodations are to be provided by a tournament recommended hotel in North Carolina. The cost per student is $80-$100.

e. The BHS DECA club and marketing students to travel to Orlando, Florida, on February 7-11, 2007. Students will travel via airplane. Accommodations are to be provided by Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. The cost per student is $775.

f. The BHS DECA club to travel to Orlando, Florida, on April 27 through May 2, 2007. Students will travel via airplane. Accommodations are to be provided by the Orlando Marriott. The cost per student is $995.

3. Grants:

a. The Biology and Biochemistry of Cyanobacteria Communities: A grant to increase AHS biology and chemistry students’ understanding of the life processes of bacterial communities.

Item 09/06-129 (Continued)

b. Natural Products Biochemistry through Laboratory Experimentation: A grant to allow approximately 100 AHS biology and chemistry students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the life cycle of extremophile bacteria by investigating, extracting, and characterizing various biologically active molecules.

c. Non-Fiction Reading for Shawsville Elementary School (SES) Fourth and Fifth Graders: A grant to enhance the reading achievement and independent reading of fourth and fifth grade students at SES.

Superintendent’s Reports, Recommendations, Announcements:

Item 09/06-130 Leadership Enhancement Program (LEP): Modular Approach to Learning Grant Proposal (Action): Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to approve the Leadership Enhancement Program (LEP): Modular Approach to Learning Grant Proposal.

Item 09/06-131 CHS Stadium Dedication (Action): Kirk Litton, athletic director at CHS, asked the Board to support the CHS site-based committee’s recommendation to name the newly renovated stadium after former principal George Porterfield.

Mrs. Lythgoe asked about the composition of the site-based committee. Mr. Litton said the site-based committee is comprised of faculty, staff, students, and parents. He said the committee is established at the beginning of each year and those that serve have expressed an interest in serving.

Ms. Franklin noted that she would have liked for the community to be made more aware of the naming process, but she doesn’t believe it would have changed the outcome. She expressed appreciation to the committee for its work.

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to support the CHS site-based committee’s recommendation to name the newly renovated stadium after George Porterfield.

Item 09/06-129 (Continued), Item 09/06-130, and Item 09/06-131

Item 09/06-132 Professional Development Proposal (Information): Patti Talbot, Director of Instruction and Professional Development, presented the Board with a professional development proposal as required by School Board policy.

Dr. Hopkins asked that number five in the proposal be re-written so that staff are encouraged but not required to earn 12 points of MCPS professional development credit annually.

The item will be placed on the September 19 agenda for approval.

Item 09/06-133 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: Carol Jennings, Coordinator of Testing, provided the Board with AYP results. Mrs. Jennings reported that the division demonstrated increased achievement scores across all subgroups of students. She said the number of elementary schools making AYP increased from seven in 2005-2006 to ten in 2006-2007. Mrs. Jennings added that middle and high schools increased or maintained pass rates in the “all students” and “white students” subgroups in reading and math. She noted that the achievement gap in the school division is narrowing in English and in science; however, the school division is having trouble with science scores for disadvantaged and disabled students.

Mr. Jones stated that he would like to have information on the students reported as “TS or too small.” Dr. Hopkins suggested sharing this information during closed session so that students are not identified.

Mr. Jones asked for information on how MCPS compares to other localities with regard to graduation rates.

Item 09/06-134 Appropriation of Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Carryover Funds (Action): Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to request from the Board of Supervisors a total supplemental appropriation in the amount of $1,764,924.

Item 09/06-132, Item 09/06-133, and Item 09/06-134

Item 09/06-135 Technology Facility Needs (Action): Harvey Goodwin, Director of Technology, expressed the department’s need for increased space for staff and equipment as well as increased security for equipment. Mr. Goodwin recommended that the technology department be relocated to the old Independence Secondary School building to allow for tighter server room security, a more fire resistant building, greater space, and improved parking and restroom facilities. He told Board members that the facilities department has space issues as well and could use the space in Cambria vacated by the technology department.

Mr. Dunkenberger moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to approve the administration’s recommendation to relocate the technology department to the old Independence Secondary School building.

Item 09/06-136 After-School Programs (Action): Dr. Anderson expressed the administration’s recommendation to expand before and after-school programs and enrichment services for students throughout MCPS. She said she would like for each individual school community to have the opportunity to discuss these services and opportunities.

Carol Kahler, principal of Gilbert Linkous Elementary School, was present to discuss the school division-sponsored childcare program at her school.

Mrs. Bond expressed concern about the cost of a school-sponsored program, as it’s higher than that of the Adventure Club program.

Mr. Jones asked if the administration is recommending that a school-sponsored program replace Adventure Club. Dr. Anderson said this would not necessarily be the case. She stated that the process would be parent driven and each school community would decide which avenue to pursue.

Item 09/06-135 and Item 09/06-136

Dr. Hopkins noted that he wants to make sure that the administration is not asking for approval of a particular program, only approval for asking school communities what they would like to see at their school with regard to childcare and enrichment opportunities. Dr. Anderson said this is correct.

Mr. Jones said he would like to know what childcare programs currently exist at each school. He added that he would also like to see, as part of the outcome of meeting with parents, staff, etc., the deficiencies noted with Adventure Club. Mr. Jones stated that Adventure Club should then be given an opportunity to address these deficiencies.

Dr. Anderson told Board members that principals would like more of an opportunity to drive programs that occur in their schools. She said she would like to give the school communities a chance to explore all opportunities available. Dr. Anderson noted that it’s possible that some schools would maintain Adventure Club but add enrichment opportunities.

Mr. Dunkenberger stated that he believes it’s important that children be allowed unstructured time before and after school as well. Mrs. Bond agreed. Mr. Dunkenberger said it’s important to note that the school division is not trying to compete with the Adventure Club but is trying to support students by filling in the gaps at no cost to the school division.

Mr. Jones added that it seems as if there are gaps in expectations that need to be filled.

Ms. Franklin said she would like to allow discussions to take place in schools regarding childcare and enrichment opportunities, but does not want to approve programs at this time.

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mr. Dunkenberger, and the Board voted unanimously to allow the administration to proceed with information gathering from all schools about enrichment opportunities and before and after-school programs.

Item 09/06-136 (Continued)

Item 09/06-137 Policy Revisions (First Reading): The Board reviewed policy revisions provided by School Board Attorney Brad King. Mr. King noted that 90 percent of the changes are based solely on General Assembly regulations. Board members discussed the policies and suggested revisions. The revisions will be placed on the September 19 agenda for a second reading.

Item 09/06-138 Announcements/Calendar for September (Information): Dr. Anderson made no announcements.

Unfinished Business By School Board Members

Mr. Jones asked about the status of the shutdown of old Blacksburg Middle School. Dan Berenato, Director of Facilities, said everyone should be out of the building by the end of October.

Mrs. Lythgoe asked when the Board of Supervisors would get numbers to the School Board regarding funding available for capital projects. Ms. Franklin said she would gather this information at the liaison meeting this week.

Mrs. Morikawa asked when the strand meetings would be held. The Board agreed to discuss this at the next meeting.

New Business By School Board Members

Mr. Jones updated the Board on the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School meeting. Mrs. Morikawa updated the Board on Christiansburg Institute plans.

Mr. Dunkenberger expressed that before the end of the calendar year he would like to see a list of school facilities owned but not utilized by the school division. Dr. Anderson said she would provide this information to the Board in the next couple of weeks.

Dr. Hopkins moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to increase the superintendent’s salary by 5.5 percent for the current contract year.

Dr. Hopkins moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to buy back two years of retirement, at a rate not to exceed 5 percent of the superintendent’s annual salary for each year of buy back, as compensation for the superintendent.

Item 09/06-137 and Item 09/06-138

Agenda Preparation

September 19, 2006 Policy Revisions (Second Reading)

Update on Enrollment

Update on Accreditation and AYP

Professional Development Proposal (Action)

CTE Textbooks Adoptions (Information)

Schedule Strand Meeting

October 5, 2006 CTE Textbooks Adoptions (Action)

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. on motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by Mr. Jones, and passed unanimously.

School Board Chair Clerk of the School Board